ClubLink Appeals Glen Abbey Applications to OMB

ClubLink has appealed Oakville town council's decision to refuse their application to redevelop Glen Abbey Golf Course to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

"The town is not surprised that ClubLink has appealed council's decision to the Ontario Municipal Board," said Mayor Rob Burton.

"The town is prepared to vigorously defend council's decision that ClubLink's applications do not represent good planning for this site and are not consistent or in conformity with applicable provincial, regional and town policy."

The Sept. 27 decision was made after ClubLink had applied to the town for an official plan amendment, a zoning by-law amendment and approval of a plan of subdivision to permit 141 detached dwellings, 299 townhouse dwellings, 2,782 apartment dwellings with retail and office commercial uses, parks and open space and natural heritage uses.

The Canadian Open has been held at the course 29 times.

Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus designed it to be the championship’s permanent home in 1976.

Town planning staff had recommended refusal of the application to council.

"The town's cultural heritage landscape study identified the Glen Abbey property as a significant cultural heritage landscape that should be conserved,” said director of planning Mark Simeoni.

“The town-wide urban structure review identified where and how the town should grow, and Glen Abbey was not identified as a potential site for future growth. These conclusions are so significant that staff must recommend that the applications not proceed."

Two days of public meetings were held on Sept. 26 and Sept. 27 to consider Clublink's applications for an official plan amendment, a zoning by-law amendment and approval of its draft plan of subdivision.

While Council refused the official plan and zoning amendments on Sept. 27 under the Planning Act, decisions on applications for approval of a draft plan of subdivision can be made no sooner than 14 days after the public meeting is held.

The application for the approval of ClubLink's draft plan of subdivision is scheduled to come back to planning and development council on Nov. 6.

The renowned golf course, designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, is the country's most famous course.